During 1981, the remaining members of AFGL's Solar Radio Astronomy Section were consolidated with the energetic particles task at the laboratory. An emphasis of the combined group under the general direction of Ms. M. A. Shea is to understand particle acceleration mechanisms in solar flares as inferred from flare electromagnetic (including radio) and particulate emissions. As before, research efforts are applied to Air Force requirements in the radio propagation area, in particular, the forecasting of solar-induced disruptive effects on communications and surveillance systems. Operational responsibility for the Sagamore Hill Radio Observatory rests with the Military Airlift Command's Air Weather Service (AWS). The solar radio patrol is carried out by AWS personnel especially trained as Astrogeophysical Data Analysts. This work is under the direction of Capt. Edward J. Eadon, Commander of Detachment 2, Third Weather Wing. Responsibility for routine maintenance for the solar-patrol equipment rests with the Air Force Communications Command (AFCC). Because of the AFGL reorganization, this will be the last observatory report to which AFGL contributes. It is anticipated that in subsequent years joint observatory reports will be submitted by the AWS's Radio Solar Telescope Network (RSTN) observatories. Physical proximity, history, and shared interests, however, dictate that the special relationship between the solar researchers at AFGL and the observing staff at Sagamore Hill will continue to exist, if on a somewhat less formal basis.

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